Filling of an Application Forms

Filling of an Application Forms

An application form may be your first point of contact with an employer. Employers often receive hundreds of application forms and may spend only a few seconds on each one. Therefore, their first impressions must be positive. A good application form takes a considerable amount of time to complete which should be evident to the person reading it. It should be well thought out and properly constructed. This leaflet explores some of the issues involved in this part of the application process and provides useful general guidelines.

Why are application forms used?

Applying for jobs is very competitive. Employers use application forms as part of their selection processes in order to draw up a short list of candidates to invite for interview. These forms are often designed specifically for individual employers and may be quite sophisticated. They are usually very challenging and most are designed to make candidates think about themselves and their suitability for the opportunities on offer.

Before you start

Before applying to an employer make sure that you:

• choose an appropriate employer to apply to;

• check which application method they prefer, e.g. Standard Application Form (SAF), their own Employer Application Form (EAF) or, increasingly more common, on-line. (Check out the Lightning Reference Guides covering CVs and Covering Letters for further information if this is the preferred method of application);

• research the organisation where you wish to work - find out about what they do, their philosophy, their structure, their successes and goals;

• research the job to find out about the necessary requirements and person specification – read the supporting company literature, visit their website, read the appropriate
Occupational Profile

• tailor your application form to reflect the needs of the employer;

• make a photocopy of the blank form so you can complete a rough copy first;

• give yourself plenty of time.

Filling in the form – general tips

Here are a few hints and tips which may help you while you are completing the form. Some may seem very obvious but a surprising number of candidates do get them wrong:

• make sure you comply with instructions, e.g. write in black ink, or use capitals if requested;

• write clearly and give careful thought to the presentation – make it easy for the employer to read;

• pay attention to spelling and grammar – many applications are automatically rejected if a candidate is weak in these areas;

• make sure that your details are correct, e.g. your contact details, educational and/or work history (don't lie! - employers often ask to see original certificates of your qualifications);

• put your most important work area/experience etc first (although this may not be possible if chronological order is asked for);

• explain any gaps.

Identify your skills, knowledge and experience
In addition to a degree qualification employers seek a range of other qualities. Identify your own particular skills, knowledge and experience and give good examples if you are asked to demonstrate them. This is an ideal opportunity to illustrate any additional skills you have gained which are relevant to the employer and the job you are applying for. These skills are further explained in the Lightning Guide What Do Employers Look For?


Referees

One academic (if you are a recent graduate) and one other related to employment is the usual requirement. Do check with referees first to ensure that they are willing and able to supply a supportive reference. If necessary, give them information about the job to help them to tailor their reference.

After completing the form

Before you send your completed application form to the employer make sure you:

• spell and grammar check your application form to avoid careless and easily correctable errors – ask a friend to read it for you to do a final proof before you send it;

• write a covering letter to accompany the application form

• make a copy of the application form so that you can prepare more easily if you are called for interview.

Before the interview

Your application form will be used during the interview where you are likely to be asked to expand more fully on any statements you have made. Therefore, make sure that you have made the best of yourself but ensure that you do not write anything that you cannot substantiate at interview. Read the form again just prior to the interview to refresh your memory of what you had written.

On-line applications

More and more employers are asking candidates to make their applications on-line. To enable you to complete the form over a period of time many systems give you a password so that you can return to previous work (make sure you remember the password!).

Make sure you read all the instructions before starting. Many on-line systems do not have a spell check so it may be better to prepare blocks of text off-line in a word processing document which can then be cut and pasted into the form. The general tips which appear above will also be relevant for applying on-line.